In Effort to End Michigan’s Brain Drain, Credit Union Offers $100,000 in Scholarships

Mon, Jan 14, 2013 12:28 EST

Since its 2008 inception, Community Choice Credit Union’s foundation has made more than $500,000 available to students throughout Michigan

January 14, 2013 | Farmington Hills, MI-
Community Choice Credit Union, with seven branches located throughout Michigan, announced today that its nonprofit foundation has made $100,000 available in scholarships to students in Michigan. The scholarships, which are available to high school seniors, are part of the Credit Union’s charitable commitment to its communities.

In a letter to the Credit Union’s foundation, 2010 scholarship winner Alexis Brady said, “Your scholarship has given me a great start in achieving my dreams of becoming a teacher. Please accept my continued thanks and appreciation for the Community Choice scholarship. Someday I hope to give back to the community as you have generously done for me.”

Brady, 19, is a native of Warren, Michigan and attends Grand Valley State University. Like many past Community Choice Scholarship winners, Brady recognizes the value in an organization that is committed to helping the future of Michigan.

“Five years ago, Community Choice Credit Union launched the Community Choice Foundation. At the time, we were looking for a solution to help stop the brain drain in Michigan,” said Robert Bava, President and CEO of Community Choice Credit Union. “Since 2008, we have helped encourage the best and brightest to stay in Michigan and to utilize their education to give big to our communities.”

Past recipients of the scholarship represent multiple Michigan counties including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, and Lenawee. Eligibility to receive a scholarship is based on numerous factors including: a commitment to attend an accredited college in Michigan, a pledge to utilize each individual’s education to give back to Michigan communities, sufficient academic performance, and county of residence.
Membership at the credit union is not required to apply for the scholarship
. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 5, 2013. For additional information, or to apply, visit
bit.ly/cccuscholarships
.

Scholarships are just one part of a larger charitable effort by the Credit Union. The Credit Union concluded 2012 by providing over $135,000 dollars to community programs, while team members contributed over 2,443
volunteer hours to local communities. In 2005, the Credit Union introduced a volunteer reimbursement program effectively providing each team member the opportunity to volunteer 24 paid hours throughout local communities.

“Team members are excited when they learn they have the backing of the Credit Union to make a difference in local communities,” said Jennifer Dickey, Vice President of Human Resources at Community Choice Credit Union. “When you tell them (team members) that we are also going to pay them for their community service, a giant smile usually cracks across their face. It’s a wonderful program and team members’ love the idea of getting rewarded for doing good.”

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Media Contacts:

Community Choice Credit Union President and CEO, Robert Bava, is available for additional commentary and interview opportunities. Mr. Bava is passionate about organizations working to help ignite local economies. He is committed to introducing solutions that positively benefit the future of our country. To reach Mr. Bava, please contact Paula Piccinini or Jeffrey DiGiannantonio.

About Community Choice Credit Union:
Established in 1935, Community Choice Credit Union offers a wide variety of financial products and services for both consumers and businesses. Any individual who lives, works, or worships in the following counties is eligible to become a member of Community Choice Credit Union: Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw or Wayne County, Michigan. Since 2008, the Credit Union has invested more than $500,000 dollars and 8,000 volunteer hours into its charitable Give Big efforts throughout Michigan. For more information, visit
CommunityChoiceCU.com
.

About Us

Established in 1935, Community Choice Credit Union offers a wide variety of financial products and services for both consumers and businesses. Any individual who lives, works, or worships in the following counties is eligible to become a member of Community Choice Credit Union: Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw or Wayne County, Michigan. Since 2008, the Credit Union has invested more than $500,000 dollars and 8,000 volunteer hours into its charitable Give Big efforts throughout Michigan. For more information, visit CommunityChoiceCU.com.

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Quick facts

• $100,000 in scholarships now available to high school seniors in Michigan
• Since its 2008 inception, Community Choice Credit Union’s foundation has made more than $500,000 available to students throughout Michigan
• Eligibility is based on numerous factors including: a commitment to attend an accredited college in Michigan, a pledge to utilize each individual’s education to give back to Michigan communities, sufficient academic performance, and county of residence.
• The deadline to apply is March 5, 2013.
• To apply, visit bit.ly/cccuscholarships
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Quotes

“Five years ago, Community Choice Credit Union launched the Community Choice Foundation. At the time, we were looking for a solution to help stop the brain drain in Michigan,” said Robert Bava, President and CEO of Community Choice Credit Union. “Since 2008, we have helped encourage the best and brightest to stay in Michigan and to utilize their education to give big to our communities.”

Robert Bava, President & CEO of Community Choice Credit Union

“Team members are excited when they learn they have the backing of the Credit Union to make a difference in local communities,” said Jennifer Dickey, Vice President of Human Resources at Community Choice Credit Union. “When you tell them (team members) that we are also going to pay them for their community service, a giant smile usually cracks across their face. It’s a wonderful program and team members’ love the idea of getting rewarded for doing good.”

Jennifer Dickey, Vice President of Human Resources at Community Choice Credit Union